Children

How can you find a day care centre for your child?

It’s not always easy to find a childcare centre in Belgium. For children under 3 years, there are different types of organisations: public, private, subsidised or non-subsidised. So how does the system work, where do you start, how much does it cost, and what should you look out for? The Expat Welcome Desk explains…

For children under 3 years, there are different types of centre: public, private, subsidised or non-subsidised. To operate legally, all these organisations must have authorisation from the relevant official bodies responsible for childcare (ONE in French-speaking regions and KIND & GEZIN in Flemish areas). So beware of illegal day nurseries!

Childcare centres are either run by the commune or they are private. Communal centres are subsidised and the charges are calculated in function of your income. On the other hand, private childcare centres apply a fixed charge which can be as much as €800 per month (for 5 days a week).

You can also leave your child with a childminder (maximum 4 children) if you prefer a more family environment.

Pre-school centres are also available, for children aged between 18 and 36 months.

You can find a list of local private and public childcare centres on your commune website (in French search for “enfants” or “crèches”). You are not obliged to choose a childcare centre in your own commune but if you don’t, you risk facing a longer waiting list.

Your best course of action is to put your name down for various childcare centres after the fourth month of pregnancy. Being on a waiting list won’t guarantee you a place, so it’s best to multiply your chances!

When you visit a childcare centre, make sure you ask all the necessary questions: opening hours, holidays and vacation periods, costs, activities, internal regulations, etc.

Lastly, you should be aware that you can deduct day care costs from your taxes. For this, you will need the certificate which childcare centres provide to parents every year.